Lee west



L. WEST.

PRESSURE REGULATOR- APPLICATION FILED MAR-24,1915.

1,196,193. Patented Aug. 29, 1916.

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WTTTEED PATENT UFFMlE.

LEE wns'r, or nnwroar, KENTUCKY, assrenoa or ONE-HALF ro JOHN F. rnnnon, or

CINCINNATI, OHIO.

PRESSURE-REGULATOR.

Application filed March 24, 1915.

Z '0 all whom it may concern:

,Be it known that I, LEE ViL-asr, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Newport, in the county of Campbell and btate of Kentucky, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pressure-Regulators, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to means for regulating the pressure of fluids or liquids in pipe lines or other pressure systems.

The object of my invention is to provide a simplified and more eiiicient device of this character.

My invention consists in the parts and in the details of construction and arrangement of parts as will herein be more fully described and claimed.

In the drawing: Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a device embodying my invention; and Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional detail of the adjustable fulcrum for the valve-operating lever.

As I prefer to construct my invention, the valve body 1 has an inner partition 2 with the upper and lower passages 3 and 4: preferably with cylindrical walls, and the valve 5 is preferably a piston valve, with annuiar upper and lower bosses 6 and 7, adapted to rise and fit into and make fluidrestricting contact in the upper and lower passages 3 and 4, and be as nearly as possible of equal pressure-resisting area. This valve preferably has between the bosses t and 7 radial guiding ribs 8, and, above the upper boss 6, radial guiding ribs 9 to make contact with the cylindrical walls of the passages 3 and 4 as the valve moves up and down. The valve 5 has a central bore or opening 10 up through it, and a valve stem 11 extends up through said opening 10, be

ing preferably of somewhat less diameter than the opening, and having a collar 12 fixed on it to fit rather loosely in the opening 10, there being a pin 13 passing transversely through the valve 5, through this collar 12 and through the stem '11, which thus operatively connects the valve 5 to the stem 11, but allows a slight articulation of the valve with respect to the stem. valve stem 11 passes through suitable stufi'mg boxes 1 1 in plugs 15 in the top and bottom of the body 1. These stufiing boxes 14 guide the rod 11 rigidly in a straight line, but the articulated connection of the stem Specification of Letters Patent.

The

Patented Aug. 29, 1916.

Serial No. 16,737.

11 to the valve 5, as above described, allows the valve 5 to fit accurately in the passages 3 and 4: regardless of any slight inaccuracy in the guiding of the rod 11 by the stuiiing boxes 14. The high-pressure pipe 16 leads into the valve body at one end, and the fluid, when the valve 5 is moved down, may pass through the passages 3 and 4, into the space in the valve body 1 outside of these passages, from which it may pass to the low-pressure pipe 17. Constructed as above described, the valve is balanced.

On the top of the valve body 1 near the low pressure end thereof is a lug 18 preferably formed integral with the valve body, and on this lug 18 a connection head 19 is fixed. In the upper part of the connection head 19 is fixed the lower end of a Bourdon tube 20, which curves upward and over the valve body, terminating over near the high pressure'end of the valve, some distance upward therefrom. The lower part of the connection head 19 has an inlet pipe 21, and a restricted passage or constriction 22 leads up from the inlet pipe 21 to the interior of the Bourdon tube 20. By thus making the entrance to the Bourdon tube 20 an upward passage, sediment will not readily enter the tube. The inlet pipe 21 communicates with the interior of a T 23, in which T is a partition having through it a restricted passage or constriction 25 near the end of the 'l' farthest from the Bourdon tube connection.

The restriction of both of the above passages 22 and 25 is preferably of concentrated area, as distinguished for instance, from an annular restriction by a valve plug inserted in the passage. Such concentration of the area of the constriction or passage allows the-minimum of area that it is the purpose of the constriction to alford, and at the same time ample dimensions of the constriction or passage in all directions thereacross, to avoid serious stoppage of sediment which would result in clogging the passages. One such constriction reduces to a considerable extent the small fluctuations in pressure in the Bourdon tube incident to the small fluctuations in the pressuresystem; thereby steadying the operation of the pressure regulator, so that it is caused to operate only in response to material changes of pressure in the system. The two constrictions, spaced apart, add to this effect, since the space between them forms a par- 55 sureof, the fluid 'in the low-pressure pipel7 -will be "communicated to the interior of the tial cushioning chamber. Either one of the .above provisions, especially the latter, is

found to be satisfactory for regulating the pressure of gases. However for regulating the pressure of liquid, I prefer to connect a cushioningchamber26 to the side outlet of the T23 by means of a short nipple 27. The other end of the T receives the nipple 28, that connects, through an elbow 29 and nipple 30, to the low-pressure pipe 17. The cushioning chamber 26 is, as shown, preferably substantially spherieal and closed throughout, except for the entrance of the low pressure end of the valve and is bifur cated, having side members -with rounded j ends which engage with a fulcrum 36, being.

- confined between upper and lower flanges 37an d 38 thereof, which flanges are joined by a stem 39. This fulcrum 36 is best shown in section in Fig. 2. Below the lower flange 38, the main body 40 of this fulcrum 36 is 'of considerable length and has a central threaded opening 41, up in it, by which it screws down upon a stud 42 fixed in the upper end of' the lug'18. Preferably also threaded on this stud 42, below the fulcrum 36 is a lock nut 43. as shown in Fig. 1.

The end of the Bourdon tube 20 lying over toward the high-pressure end of the valve has one end part of a link 44: pivotally connected to it by means of. a screw 45 passing through the link 44: and through the end part of theBourdon tube which has a lug 46 on its end for this purpose. This link 4:4: extends down and has the other end part bifurcated and straddlingthe longer arm 47 of the lever 32, being pivotally connected thereto by means of a screw 48 pass ing through the bifurcations and through thearm 47, at about the same distance away from the connection of the valve stem 11'to I r the lever in this direction thatjthe fulcrum 36 isfin'the other. The arm 47, extends farther outward and has a weight 49 mounted thereon and held 7 stationary thereon by means of a screw 50, which may be loosened for adjusting-theweight along the lever.

Constructed ;as above described, the presfBourdon tube 20, and, according to the degree of this pressure, the Bourdon tube will tend to straighten, which action lifts the lever 32 andjdraws the valve 5 upward to a closed position. VVhen' the valve'approaches this closed position, the degree of opening past the'valve will be lessened,'eutting off the flow of fluidfrom. the high-pressure 1A short pipe 16 to the lowpressure pipe 17, and thereby reducing the pressure in the lowpressure pipe 17. As soon as this pressure becomes sufliciently reduced, and a corresponding reduction occurs in the Bourdon tube 20, this tube will again contract to a more curved position, and the weight 4-9 will pull the lever 32 down, thus moving the valve 5 downward and again increasing the degree of opening past the valve, allowing a greater flow of fluid from the high-pressure pipe 16 to the low-pressure pipe 17. It will be understood that these operations will occur constantly and in varying degrees, with the result that the pressure in the low-pressure pipe 17 will be maintained practically uniform to any degree desired by properly adjusting the weight 19 on the lever .32; which weight, it will be understood, resists the straightening movement of the Bourdon tube 20 under the pressure therein, and also determines how quickly the valve 5 will return downward upon reduction of pressure.

The cushioning chamber 26, along with the'restriction of the passages 22 and 25 at each side thereof, between it and the lowpressure pipe 17 and the Bourdon tube 20, respectively, has the effect of making the communication of the pressure in the lowpressure pipe 17 to the interior of the Bourdon tube 20 more gradual, and thereby eliminating to a large degree the shock on the tube and the other operating parts; while at the same time leaving the mechanism sufiiciently sensitive to secure the proper uniformity of pressure in the lowpressure pipe 17. When such fluids as steam and air have their pressures governed, the restricted passages 22 and 24 are sufficient, and the cushioning chamber 26 isomitted, the side connection of the T 23 being plugged. It will be understood that when liquid has its pressure governed, a

quantity of air will be entrapped in the cushioning chamber 26, which, being compressed by the liquid rising in this chamber, upon rise of pressure of liquid in the low-pressure pipe 17, will be compressed and aflord the proper cushioning effect.

The above construction and arrangementis adapted for regulating pressure in pipe lines, or pressure systems, where water or other liquids, or steam, air or other gaseous fluids are supplied for intermittent withdrawal from the system, and where the fluid is'supplied through the operation of some kind of pump or other forcing means; the regulator compensating for fluctuations in pressure, due either to irregularity of operation of the pump or other forcing means or to withdrawals at irregular intervals of various volumes or quantities of the fluid from the pipe line or pressure system. The regulator, however, is also suitable for controlling the supply of actuating fluid to anengine or motor from a high-pressure source, and to automatically regulate the speed of the engine or motor inversely to the rise or fall of pressure in the high-pressure source. An example of this kind is the use of a steam engine to operate a fuel-supply means for a boiler furnace; the engine being supplied with steam from the boiler, and the steam supply to the engine being increased upon fall of pressure in the boiler, or decreased upon rise of such pressure. In such a case, the Bourdon tube is connected to the highpressure source instead of to the low-pressure receptacle or pipe. The operation of the regulator, however, will be the same as when the Bourdon tube is connected to the low-pressure receptacle or pipe.

In any case, the adjustable fulcrum 36 for the valve-operating lever 32 adds greatly to the accuracy with which the valve may be adjusted to be properly sensitive, and to compensate for unavoidable inaccuracies in the construction of the other parts. Being operatively connected to the lever by the engagement of the bifurcations between its flanges, it may turn on its stud 42 to be screwed up and down thereon and yet maintain an accurate relation with the lever 32. For thus adjusting the fulcrum up and down, the lock nut 43 is loosened, and then tightened when the fulcrum has been brought to the proper height. This, it will be seen, allows the fulcrum of the lever 32 to be adjusted to such a position that the movements of the lever 32 above and below a horizontal line incident to an operation of the valve 5 through a complete upward and downward stroke are equal; and this relation may be established for any combination of Bourdon tube 20 and valve stem 11 and valve 5 along with the lever 32 and its link 44.

The above adjustment, together with the balancing of the valve and articulated connection of the valve 5 to the valve stem '11, and the combination with these of the Bourdon tube 20, communication to which is properly restricted through the passages 22 and 25, aifords an extremely sensitive valve of simple and light construction which, however, is capable of governing very high pressures of either liquids or gases. Furthermore, the entire device may be constructed of metal, including the Bourdon tube 20. Absence of any extensive non-metallic surfaces, such as rubber or similar materials, the distortion of which is sometimes availed of in pressure regulation, renders my device far more durable and reliable. Also, the use of the Bourdon tube, together with the above described details in combination therewith to provide for its proper operation, is superior to the use of any diaphragm, whether of metallic or non-metallic material, where the distortion fulcrums are in or along a practically single restricted region of the diaphragm, usually an annular one, such restricted region of fulcrum resulting in crystallization and breaking of the material therein, thereby rendering the diaphragm useless and necessitating frequent renewals or repairs. Furthermore, a far heavier pressure may be governed with a mechanism of given dimensions and weight constructed according to my invention than can be governed with devices depending upon thedistortion of a diaphragm for their operation; and this governing can be made more accurate, not only through the employment of the Bourdon tube, but by virtue of the other constructional details combined therewith, as hereinbefore set forth.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: p r

1. In a pressure-regulator, in combination, a valve body having an interior passage from one space to another, a valve to close said passage, a Bourdon tube, a fluidconducting connection having a constriction of concentrated area leading from one of said spaces to the interior of said Bourdon tube, and operative connection from said Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increased pressure in said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.

2. In a pressure-regulator, in combination, a valve body having an interior passage from one space to another, a valve to close said passage, a Bourdon tube, a fluidconducting connection having spaced-apart restricted openings, leading from one of said spaces to the interior of said Bourdon tube, and operative connection from said Bourdon tubeto said valve, whereby increased pressure in said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.

3. In a pressure-regulator, in combination, a valve body having an interior passage from one space to another, a valve to close said passage, a Bourdon tube, a fluid-conducting connection having spaced-apart constrictions of concentrated area leading from one of said spaces to the interior of said Bourdon tube, and operative connection from said Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increased pressure in said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.

4. In a pressure regulator, in combination, a valve body having an interior passage from one space to another, a valve to close said passage, a Bourdon tube, a fluid-conducting connection having spaced-apart restricted openings, leading from one of said spaces to the interior of said Bourdon tube, a cushioning chamber having its interior communicating with said connection between said restricted openings, and operative connection from said Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increasedpressure in said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.

5. In a pressure-regulator, 1n combination,

' a valve body having an interior passage from one space to another, a valveto close said 7 connection from-said Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increased-pressure in said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.

'6; In a-pressure-regulator, in combination, a valve bodylhav ng an lnterlor passage from one space to another, a valve to close sald "passage,'a Bourdon tube above said valve, a

fluid-conducting connection leading up from one of said spaces to the interior of said j Bourdon tube'for passage offiuid from said space to the interior of the 'tube, but-minimizing the passage of sediment, and operat1ve connection from sald Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increased pressure n said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.-

7. In a pressure-regulator, in combination, a valve body havlng an interior passage from one space to another, a valve to close said Copies of this patent may be obtained for passage, a Bourdon tube above said valve, a fluid-conducting connection having a restricted opening, leading up from one of said spaces to the interior of said Bourdon tube for passage of fluid from said space to the interior of the tube, but minimizing the passage of sediment, and operative connection from said Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increased pressure in said Bourdon tube tends to move said valve.

8. In a pressure-regulator, in combination, a valve body having an interior passage from one space toanother, a valve to close said passage, a Bourdon tube above said valve, a fluid-conducting connection having spacedapart restricted openings, leading up from one of said spaces to the interior of said Bourdon tube for passage of fluid from said space to the interior of the tube, but minimizing the passage of sediment, a cushioning chamber having its interior communicating with said connection between said restricted openings, and operative connection from said Bourdon tube to said valve, whereby increased pressure in said Bourdon tube tends to .move said valve.

c LEE WEST. Witnesses:

JAMEs N. RAMsEY, CLARENCE Pnmmw.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of l'atents, Washington, D. G. 

